1986 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1986 Ford Ranger, 6% of the 35 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ignition has shorted out 3 times. Defect keeps reoccurring.* ak consumer states has now happened 4 times, ignition failed to disengage starter solenoid after releasing battery, caused over heating of starter, shorted temp guage, radio, and panel, indicator lights, but did not blow fuses as it did june 11,2000. …”
NHTSA complaint #883288, filed 2001-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Ranger
13 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology